No matter what kind of cook you consider yourself, growing kitchen herb gardens cookery herbs and utilizing them in your preferred dishes will improve any of your cookery attempts. The other upbeat to growing culinary herbs is that a lot of of them are significantly easy to cultivate, even if you are not blessed with a usual green thumb. To know what a cookery herb is, it is easiest to first know what it is not.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Spices are not aromatic plants. These seasonings are generally taken out from seeds, flowers or barks, and have a tendency to be stronger in smell and taste than cookery fragrant plants. Fragrant plants are usually utilized by tearing or cutting up the leaves of the plants. Some of the most common cookery fragrant plants are parsley, oregano, basil and sage. Most of these will be quite easy to care for, and you can cultivate your cookery fragrant plants indoors or out.
Location Cubed
The initial stage in successfully cultivating cookery fragrant plants is to find the appropriate location for them to flourish. Remember that most fragrant plants need plenty of good drainage to be happy, meaning that elevated beds and pots are frequently fine selections for these plants. In reality, you can take pleasure in cultivating cookery fragrant plants year-round right on your own sunlit windowsill indoors. If you are planting outdoors, just make certain that the place that you choose gets plenty of sun, and add some nutrients to the soil for best outcome. You can confirm with your neighboring garden center to find out which kinds of nutrients in the shape of fertilizer that your fragrant plants will like the best.
A lot of people who cultivate cookery fragrant plants find that these plants are fairly decorative as well as useful. For that reason, you might desire to plan your fragrant plant garden accordingly, giving thought to the aesthetics as an alternative of simply rows in a garden. You can bunch a range of aromatic plants all through a rock garden, or add paths between your beds to that you can stroll throughout your plantings and get pleasure from the good-looking colors and rich stinks. Aromatic plants can also make a good-looking decoration to any patio or deck, and there are containers that are particularly designed to hold a range of aromatic plants that will cascade down the sides of the pot.
Best selections
Beginning gardeners who would love to try their hand at cultivating cookery aromatic plants will do best to start with some of the easier plants to work with. These might contain a range of basil and oregano, as well as parsley, dill, chives and thyme. Be careful of your permanent aromatic plants such as oregano, because these can easily take over a garden area if they are mainly happy and healthy. On the other hand, if you desire to make fresh spaghetti sauce, the more oregano in your garden, the better! If you end up with more aromatic plants than you can make use of, you can simply cut your plants down and suspend the stems upside down in a cool, dark place to dry. That way, you can have fresh aromatic plants all through the winter season as well.
Minggu, 10 Januari 2010
How to Increase Your Height Naturally, Regardless of How Old You Are!
Increasing your height is in fact a lot simpler than you may think, and than most people think. It only involves making a few basic changes to your lifestyle - you'll learn more in this article. Read on to learn more.
In fact, the way to increase your height is so simple, that most people never try it, because they don't believe it would work. That's strange, because the simple routine only takes about 15 minutes per day, and should only be performed during the course of no more than two months.
So, what's the way to increase your height, that I'm talking about. First, lets look at why you stop growing. After reaching a certain age, your body starts producing less of a chemical, called human growth hormone, or HGH. Years ago, scientists started making complicated experiments injecting people with a HGH extract. This worked, but it was extremely expensive, and had strange side effects.
The good news is that, nowadays we know a lot of ways to increase your human growth hormone levels naturally. There is even a simple recipe for a milk shake, which you can easily make at home, that will stimulate your body to increase your HGH levels by as much as three times! So, this is where the diet comes in - the first part to increase your height! It's not a complicated diet, and only involves a few changes to your eating habits. But that's not all - for the diet to be effective, it has to be combined with something else - exercise. Simple stretching exercises, that put stress on your back muscles and spine, are what we need here. They not only improve your posture, which has an immediate effect on your height, but they also stimulate HGH production, even further!
When you have the proper combination of diet and exercise in place, you can easily expect to increase your height by as much as 6 inches, during the next few weeks!
In fact, the way to increase your height is so simple, that most people never try it, because they don't believe it would work. That's strange, because the simple routine only takes about 15 minutes per day, and should only be performed during the course of no more than two months.
So, what's the way to increase your height, that I'm talking about. First, lets look at why you stop growing. After reaching a certain age, your body starts producing less of a chemical, called human growth hormone, or HGH. Years ago, scientists started making complicated experiments injecting people with a HGH extract. This worked, but it was extremely expensive, and had strange side effects.
The good news is that, nowadays we know a lot of ways to increase your human growth hormone levels naturally. There is even a simple recipe for a milk shake, which you can easily make at home, that will stimulate your body to increase your HGH levels by as much as three times! So, this is where the diet comes in - the first part to increase your height! It's not a complicated diet, and only involves a few changes to your eating habits. But that's not all - for the diet to be effective, it has to be combined with something else - exercise. Simple stretching exercises, that put stress on your back muscles and spine, are what we need here. They not only improve your posture, which has an immediate effect on your height, but they also stimulate HGH production, even further!
When you have the proper combination of diet and exercise in place, you can easily expect to increase your height by as much as 6 inches, during the next few weeks!
Ways To Increase Memory Power
People of all walks of life seek a better memory. An improved memory can boost a person's performance at work, relationships and overall quality of life. Many ways exist to increase memory power.
An individual's ability to remember information depends largely on the the ability to quickly make connections between areas within the brain. This necessarily relies on genetic factors, but to a large extent the performance and overall health of this major organ depends on the circulation of blood.
Cardiovascular exercise is a great first step to improving circulation and memory. The brain's ability to process is very dependent on the amount of oxygen it receives. By running, swimming or doing other activities that raise a person's heart rate over one hundred beats per minute, the body improves it's ability to transport oxygen to all of the vital areas. Sustained durations of this type of exercise for over half an hour, three or more times a week, will lead to lasting improvements in overall circulation.
Mental exercises improve the brain's performance just as physical exercises improve muscular performance. Learning a new language, working on quantitative reasoning problems or learning to play an instrument are exercises that give the brain a mental workout.
Supplements are often used as memory aids. Products such as Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, and B vitamins have been shown to increase circulation to the brain and provide necessary nutrients. Some supplements act to relieve stress which often reduces mental blocks, thereby improving access to memories.
Whether for professional or personal reasons, many people look for ways to increase in memory power. Methods to do so vary from person to person. When considering ways to improve this ability, a person should first consider ways to improve their overall health and seek the advice of a doctor before taking new supplements.
An individual's ability to remember information depends largely on the the ability to quickly make connections between areas within the brain. This necessarily relies on genetic factors, but to a large extent the performance and overall health of this major organ depends on the circulation of blood.
Cardiovascular exercise is a great first step to improving circulation and memory. The brain's ability to process is very dependent on the amount of oxygen it receives. By running, swimming or doing other activities that raise a person's heart rate over one hundred beats per minute, the body improves it's ability to transport oxygen to all of the vital areas. Sustained durations of this type of exercise for over half an hour, three or more times a week, will lead to lasting improvements in overall circulation.
Mental exercises improve the brain's performance just as physical exercises improve muscular performance. Learning a new language, working on quantitative reasoning problems or learning to play an instrument are exercises that give the brain a mental workout.
Supplements are often used as memory aids. Products such as Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, and B vitamins have been shown to increase circulation to the brain and provide necessary nutrients. Some supplements act to relieve stress which often reduces mental blocks, thereby improving access to memories.
Whether for professional or personal reasons, many people look for ways to increase in memory power. Methods to do so vary from person to person. When considering ways to improve this ability, a person should first consider ways to improve their overall health and seek the advice of a doctor before taking new supplements.
How To Lose Stomach Fat- 5 Tips You Need!
Stomach fat is something that most of us always looking to lose. Believe it or not, there are plenty of great, healthy ways that you can lose stomach fat. All you need are these top 5 tips and the right determination to keep you going. Take a look right there and see if you cannot get started with your weight loss and stomach fat loss plan!
1. Change the way you EAT. Your diet has a lot to do with the amount of weight that you carry around each day. If you are not eating a diet full of vegetables, fruits and lean meats, then chances are you have a lot of weight to lose. Skip the cakes and candies and start looking for natural sugars that can still ease that sweet tooth of yours.
2. Get to Jogging or Walking! Getting the proper amount of activity during the day is going to allow you to burn calories and burn the stomach fat that you may be getting rid of. Try walking for the next couple of weeks and when that gets too easy then try a combination of walking and jogging. This type of cardio helps to get the blood pumping and in turn you will lose stomach fat.
3. Stay away from Fasting Diets Crash and fasting diets are only for temporary weight loss. When you do one of these diets for a period of two weeks, you can lose up to 10 pounds, but that may not be real weight. Stick to healthy diets that are designed to help people lose long term stomach weight and keep it off for life!
4. Weight Training Weights will help the body build muscle. When you are trying to get in shape and healthy again, weight training and weight belts will help you get rid of the belly fat. Make sure to limit this type of training to just 3 times a week. This will allow your muscles to rest and develop over time.
5. Know how to do Sit-ups! Many people surprisingly do not know how to do a simple sit-up. In order to get the best results form your sit-ups each week, make sure to keep your back straight and watch the way that you crunch. You want to be utilizing all of your stomach muscles to pull you up and down. Those contractions help to strengthen the muscles and over time you will be able to do even more! There is no better time to lose stomach fat then right now. Do not wait around and put it off for months at a time. Get on the right track today and start getting into the slim, fit body you have always dreamed of!
1. Change the way you EAT. Your diet has a lot to do with the amount of weight that you carry around each day. If you are not eating a diet full of vegetables, fruits and lean meats, then chances are you have a lot of weight to lose. Skip the cakes and candies and start looking for natural sugars that can still ease that sweet tooth of yours.
2. Get to Jogging or Walking! Getting the proper amount of activity during the day is going to allow you to burn calories and burn the stomach fat that you may be getting rid of. Try walking for the next couple of weeks and when that gets too easy then try a combination of walking and jogging. This type of cardio helps to get the blood pumping and in turn you will lose stomach fat.
3. Stay away from Fasting Diets Crash and fasting diets are only for temporary weight loss. When you do one of these diets for a period of two weeks, you can lose up to 10 pounds, but that may not be real weight. Stick to healthy diets that are designed to help people lose long term stomach weight and keep it off for life!
4. Weight Training Weights will help the body build muscle. When you are trying to get in shape and healthy again, weight training and weight belts will help you get rid of the belly fat. Make sure to limit this type of training to just 3 times a week. This will allow your muscles to rest and develop over time.
5. Know how to do Sit-ups! Many people surprisingly do not know how to do a simple sit-up. In order to get the best results form your sit-ups each week, make sure to keep your back straight and watch the way that you crunch. You want to be utilizing all of your stomach muscles to pull you up and down. Those contractions help to strengthen the muscles and over time you will be able to do even more! There is no better time to lose stomach fat then right now. Do not wait around and put it off for months at a time. Get on the right track today and start getting into the slim, fit body you have always dreamed of!
Effective Weight Loss- but "Can I still eat What I like?"
Effective weight loss is a huge subject, and one finds a lot of different methods of effectively losing weight available. Each one claiming to be "the one", and somehow finding fault with whatever else is available. The common denominator is the person. How does one choose, which method of weight loss to follow?
Firstly, I think it is crucial, to start with the correct mindset. To achieve this, you should clearly decide what it is you would like to achieve, and why.
What it is you would like to achieve?You want to effectively lose weight. Do you want to firm up generally? Lose your tummy? Become more defined? Do you want to fit into an old outfit? Just worried about your health? Not satisfied with your appearance? Is your figure maybe affecting the company you keep, or are looking to attract? Looking to attract your "perfect" partner?
Why exactly do you want to lose weight?
Some brain storming is needed, to crystallize your Goal. To define the what, and the why.
What you would like to achieve, is your goal. Why you would want that goal, is your motivation. The engine that keeps you diligent. Make a list of your criteria, and make your list as long as you like. Even, take a few days, over compiling your list. Keep deleting, and adding, until you are perfectly sure of "what" it is you want to achieve.
Do the same with "why" you need to accomplish your goal.
If you can send a concise, clear message to your brain, it is then clear on how to adapt your life, to accommodate effective weight loss. The weight loss program you choose, is the tool to achieve your goal. Your mind will make it happen. But first, your mind has to be clear on what you require it to achieve.
A method to clearly monitor your progress, so you can see where you are, in the process is a great help. Maybe, regularly, measure yourself, weigh yourself, take before and after photos. Choose a method you feel comfortable with, and can maintain.
Determine how you motivate yourself. Are you moving towards, or moving away from something? Ask yourself, why do you want to lose weight? If you answer "To fit into something" you no longer fit into, you're moving toward. If you answer "So I can get rid if my back pain, you're moving away. Once you find the answer, (you probably want to vary the questions, and repeat several times, to arrive at an accurate conclusion)
You then have the strategy to motivate yourself. Try getting pictures, of what you want to move towards, or away from, and put them in places to keep you focused.
Now that you know why, and what you want to do, and you also know how to motivate yourself, it is time to get the final ingredient for effective weight loss.
Firstly, I think it is crucial, to start with the correct mindset. To achieve this, you should clearly decide what it is you would like to achieve, and why.
What it is you would like to achieve?You want to effectively lose weight. Do you want to firm up generally? Lose your tummy? Become more defined? Do you want to fit into an old outfit? Just worried about your health? Not satisfied with your appearance? Is your figure maybe affecting the company you keep, or are looking to attract? Looking to attract your "perfect" partner?
Why exactly do you want to lose weight?
Some brain storming is needed, to crystallize your Goal. To define the what, and the why.
What you would like to achieve, is your goal. Why you would want that goal, is your motivation. The engine that keeps you diligent. Make a list of your criteria, and make your list as long as you like. Even, take a few days, over compiling your list. Keep deleting, and adding, until you are perfectly sure of "what" it is you want to achieve.
Do the same with "why" you need to accomplish your goal.
If you can send a concise, clear message to your brain, it is then clear on how to adapt your life, to accommodate effective weight loss. The weight loss program you choose, is the tool to achieve your goal. Your mind will make it happen. But first, your mind has to be clear on what you require it to achieve.
A method to clearly monitor your progress, so you can see where you are, in the process is a great help. Maybe, regularly, measure yourself, weigh yourself, take before and after photos. Choose a method you feel comfortable with, and can maintain.
Determine how you motivate yourself. Are you moving towards, or moving away from something? Ask yourself, why do you want to lose weight? If you answer "To fit into something" you no longer fit into, you're moving toward. If you answer "So I can get rid if my back pain, you're moving away. Once you find the answer, (you probably want to vary the questions, and repeat several times, to arrive at an accurate conclusion)
You then have the strategy to motivate yourself. Try getting pictures, of what you want to move towards, or away from, and put them in places to keep you focused.
Now that you know why, and what you want to do, and you also know how to motivate yourself, it is time to get the final ingredient for effective weight loss.
Green Tea - Radiant Skin With This Miracle Skin Tea
Green Tea holds so many properties that can improve the health of your skin. The main antioxidant found in this skin tea that can enhance your skins appearance and overall health is EGCG, Epigallocatechin Gallate in scientific terms. Keep reading to learn some excitedly interesting facts about how Green Tea can improve your skins energy and vitality!
A two year study that was undertaken by Stanford University revealed recently showed the following - A group of volunteer Green Tea consumers were monitored and many exhilarating facts were released. The wonderful antioxidants in this skin tea, mostly EGCG, proved enhanced health of the skin in general. The essentials being, smoother skin and reduced pore size. Age spots (skin damage) emergence was lowered considerably. Appearance of the red vein look was lowered on the skins exterior.
Your skins life cycle is that of just 28 days, when new cells are formed from stem cells, it takes them about 20 days to reach the very exterior layer of the skin (epidermis). When they reach the surface they are then ready to die off. However it emerged that EGCG reacted with these dying cells and they began separating and renewing themselves again. So if dying skin cells can be re-energised, then the skin in turn will recover in condition and will naturally look and feel transformed.
A further study carried out by Harvard Medical School confirmed that "in test tubes, catechins (antioxidants) are more powerful that Vitamin C and E in delaying oxidative damage to cell". In reality, EGCG catechins are 100 times more valuable than Vitamin C and 25 more efficient than Vitamin E.
UV radiation is a massive hindrance for the skins ageing. Once UV rays hit the skin, free radicals are then stimulated. These free radicals are electrons that are in an unpaired state. Due to this state, they will then search for electrons that they will be able to pair up with.In doing this they are capable of attaching to healthy electrons, and because they are unhealthy themselves they harm the healthy electron they have become attached to.
With reference to the skin's aging, the skins healthy cells are damaged and extinguished by these Free Radicals. This causes the skins cells to either become so damaged that they cannot divide and deliver new cells, or they are destroyed completely before their life term should end. This is how sun damage has the effect it has and why your skin can look older and more ragged than it should. The excellent news is that EGCG eliminates the free radical electrons, it does not permit them in attaching to healthy cells. Thus, it can prevent sun damage.
However, it does not mean it is safe for you to lay under the sun for as long as you please and think that a cup of Green Tea will save your skin, however it does mean that for those rays that get through your sun cream, most of them will be extinguished before they can do any damage. So you can see how Green Tea can coincide with your sun protective routine and assist your skin in looking as youthful and healthy as it should do. Considering that 90% of ALL skins anti aging is due to UV radiation, I would be quite excited as regards introducing Green Tea into my diet, in favor of that and the many other reasons as above.
A two year study that was undertaken by Stanford University revealed recently showed the following - A group of volunteer Green Tea consumers were monitored and many exhilarating facts were released. The wonderful antioxidants in this skin tea, mostly EGCG, proved enhanced health of the skin in general. The essentials being, smoother skin and reduced pore size. Age spots (skin damage) emergence was lowered considerably. Appearance of the red vein look was lowered on the skins exterior.
Your skins life cycle is that of just 28 days, when new cells are formed from stem cells, it takes them about 20 days to reach the very exterior layer of the skin (epidermis). When they reach the surface they are then ready to die off. However it emerged that EGCG reacted with these dying cells and they began separating and renewing themselves again. So if dying skin cells can be re-energised, then the skin in turn will recover in condition and will naturally look and feel transformed.
A further study carried out by Harvard Medical School confirmed that "in test tubes, catechins (antioxidants) are more powerful that Vitamin C and E in delaying oxidative damage to cell". In reality, EGCG catechins are 100 times more valuable than Vitamin C and 25 more efficient than Vitamin E.
UV radiation is a massive hindrance for the skins ageing. Once UV rays hit the skin, free radicals are then stimulated. These free radicals are electrons that are in an unpaired state. Due to this state, they will then search for electrons that they will be able to pair up with.In doing this they are capable of attaching to healthy electrons, and because they are unhealthy themselves they harm the healthy electron they have become attached to.
With reference to the skin's aging, the skins healthy cells are damaged and extinguished by these Free Radicals. This causes the skins cells to either become so damaged that they cannot divide and deliver new cells, or they are destroyed completely before their life term should end. This is how sun damage has the effect it has and why your skin can look older and more ragged than it should. The excellent news is that EGCG eliminates the free radical electrons, it does not permit them in attaching to healthy cells. Thus, it can prevent sun damage.
However, it does not mean it is safe for you to lay under the sun for as long as you please and think that a cup of Green Tea will save your skin, however it does mean that for those rays that get through your sun cream, most of them will be extinguished before they can do any damage. So you can see how Green Tea can coincide with your sun protective routine and assist your skin in looking as youthful and healthy as it should do. Considering that 90% of ALL skins anti aging is due to UV radiation, I would be quite excited as regards introducing Green Tea into my diet, in favor of that and the many other reasons as above.
Improve Your Memory With These Effective Strategies
Failing to remember essential details at vital times can be terribly crushing. Think how embarrassed you will be if you are unable to recall certain information in the middle of an important presentation. What is genuinely scary about drawing a blank at the most inopportune moments is that you may end up losing an exceptional opportunity, or even your job. Fortunately, you do not need to contend with such awkward and possibly disastrous spots. By utilizing some good memory improvement techniques, you'll be able to enhance your ability to remember. Indeed, improving your memory is achievable even if you are presently in your senior years. Professionals believe that mind improvement is attainable at any stage of our existence, provided that we're in decent health and that we're not suffering from acute medical disorders.
You don't need to participate in a course on memory improvement merely to sharpen your mind. Simple tricks like paying better attention can improve you memory enormously. Research shows that most people who claim to forget critical information were distracted when they were given the information. When the mind is distracted, it can't handle the knowledge correctly so there's always a likelihood that the information will be lost.
Folks who multi-task usually fall victim to this situation so if you are one of those individuals who are doing many things at once and are frequently sidetracked by the overwhelming number of your pursuits, you will need to make some alterations to the way you work. Keep in mind that your mind must focus in order to grasp and retain knowledge.
A different trick that can assist you to remember things more effortlessly is association. If you associate details with something that is well-known to you, it will be less difficult for you to remember that knowledge. Utilize all your senses to help you hold on to important details. For example, you can associate a certain fact with a scent that you like. Therefore, whenever you get a whiff of that scent, you will immediately call to mind the facts that you associated with it.
If these two memory improvement techniques don't work for you, the best course of action is to make notes. Write down that important information that you need to remember. Use your PDA, your laptop or any other devices that can hold data to assist you to recall things. To keep up with your busy schedule without messing things up, keep a daily log of your appointments and set an alarm to remind you about them.
You don't need to participate in a course on memory improvement merely to sharpen your mind. Simple tricks like paying better attention can improve you memory enormously. Research shows that most people who claim to forget critical information were distracted when they were given the information. When the mind is distracted, it can't handle the knowledge correctly so there's always a likelihood that the information will be lost.
Folks who multi-task usually fall victim to this situation so if you are one of those individuals who are doing many things at once and are frequently sidetracked by the overwhelming number of your pursuits, you will need to make some alterations to the way you work. Keep in mind that your mind must focus in order to grasp and retain knowledge.
A different trick that can assist you to remember things more effortlessly is association. If you associate details with something that is well-known to you, it will be less difficult for you to remember that knowledge. Utilize all your senses to help you hold on to important details. For example, you can associate a certain fact with a scent that you like. Therefore, whenever you get a whiff of that scent, you will immediately call to mind the facts that you associated with it.
If these two memory improvement techniques don't work for you, the best course of action is to make notes. Write down that important information that you need to remember. Use your PDA, your laptop or any other devices that can hold data to assist you to recall things. To keep up with your busy schedule without messing things up, keep a daily log of your appointments and set an alarm to remind you about them.
Jumat, 08 Januari 2010
More Tips for Weathering the Winter
* Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace/stove ash to prevent hazardous waste from chemicals. Chemical de-icers can be hazardous to your pets, your trees and shrubs, and the environment. Antifreeze that leak from car engines and chemical snow melters on driveways, roads, and runways can pollute surface waters and groundwater through the soil.
* Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts, and will keep you safe on the road.
* If you have a wood-burning fireplace, save your ashes in a tin instead of throwing them away. Cold wood ashes can be mixed in your compost heap to create a valuable soil amendment that provides nutrients to your garden.
* Use electric snow removal products rather than gasoline-powered ones. While electric products consume energy, they do not emit greenhouse gases. As alternatives, use snow shovels, ice crackers, and brooms to clear snow from your sidewalk, porch, or driveway.
* If you have a manual thermostat or no thermostat at all, one way to save energy and money this winter is to install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat. When installed and used with the four pre-programmed temperature settings for weekend and weekdays, you can save about $100 each year while staying comfortable. Before leaving for vacation, turn down your thermostat (or use a programmable one) so that you don't waste natural resources by generating unneeded heat. You can also buy outdoor and indoor lights with timers so that lights don't stay on all night.
* Close the recycling loop. Many articles of clothing, such as jackets, scarves, gloves, and boots, are now made from recycled materials. Most fleece products are made from recycled plastic soda bottles, and certain clothing and shoe manufacturers use recycled cotton scraps and rubber tires to make their products.
* Winter storms often cause power outages. Prevent waste by keeping rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones stored throughout your house with your flashlights. If you do use disposable batteries, prevent hazardous waste by buying batteries with low mercury content.
* Recycle old newspapers by making rolled paper logs for your fireplace. Roll newspaper sheets around a broom stick until your log is the desired size, then soak your log thoroughly in water. Dry the log overnight and use like ordinary wood. Always follow proper safety precautions when burning anything around your home.
* To make sure your heating system (boiler, furnace or heat pump) is operating at its most efficient, it is a good idea to have a contractor perform a routine check-up and any necessary maintenance on the equipment before freezing weather drives up your energy bill.
* If your heating equipment more than ten years old, it may be time for a replacement to a more energy-efficient unit. While initially an expensive investment, replacing old equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment saves more energy and money in the long run.
* Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts, and will keep you safe on the road.
* If you have a wood-burning fireplace, save your ashes in a tin instead of throwing them away. Cold wood ashes can be mixed in your compost heap to create a valuable soil amendment that provides nutrients to your garden.
* Use electric snow removal products rather than gasoline-powered ones. While electric products consume energy, they do not emit greenhouse gases. As alternatives, use snow shovels, ice crackers, and brooms to clear snow from your sidewalk, porch, or driveway.
* If you have a manual thermostat or no thermostat at all, one way to save energy and money this winter is to install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat. When installed and used with the four pre-programmed temperature settings for weekend and weekdays, you can save about $100 each year while staying comfortable. Before leaving for vacation, turn down your thermostat (or use a programmable one) so that you don't waste natural resources by generating unneeded heat. You can also buy outdoor and indoor lights with timers so that lights don't stay on all night.
* Close the recycling loop. Many articles of clothing, such as jackets, scarves, gloves, and boots, are now made from recycled materials. Most fleece products are made from recycled plastic soda bottles, and certain clothing and shoe manufacturers use recycled cotton scraps and rubber tires to make their products.
* Winter storms often cause power outages. Prevent waste by keeping rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones stored throughout your house with your flashlights. If you do use disposable batteries, prevent hazardous waste by buying batteries with low mercury content.
* Recycle old newspapers by making rolled paper logs for your fireplace. Roll newspaper sheets around a broom stick until your log is the desired size, then soak your log thoroughly in water. Dry the log overnight and use like ordinary wood. Always follow proper safety precautions when burning anything around your home.
* To make sure your heating system (boiler, furnace or heat pump) is operating at its most efficient, it is a good idea to have a contractor perform a routine check-up and any necessary maintenance on the equipment before freezing weather drives up your energy bill.
* If your heating equipment more than ten years old, it may be time for a replacement to a more energy-efficient unit. While initially an expensive investment, replacing old equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment saves more energy and money in the long run.
Residential Energy Efficiency
This software program shows effective ways to reduce home energy consumption. Topics include insulation, windows, doors, weather-stripping, and caulking. The expert system feature allows users to calculate how much they will save by making their homes more energy efficient. After you enter information about your home and the energy-saving changes you intend to make, the program uses local utility and climate data to calculate your savings in money, energy, and reduction of pollutants.
Just Click Here to Download
Just Click Here to Download
Fight the Frost this Winter: ENERGY STAR Offers Tips to Keep Warm, Save Energy and Help the Environment
Improve your home’s comfort and save energy and money while doing the right thing for the environment. By using energy efficiently in your home, you can make a difference by preventing air pollution from power plants. Follow these simple recommendations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
1. Know the Facts – The average family spends $1,400 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of that spent on heating and cooling. Energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, sized and installed correctly, with properly sealed ducts, can save homeowners as much as 20 percent on their annual energy costs.
2. Keep it Clean – A dirty air filter can increase your energy costs and lead to early equipment failure. Clean or change the air filter in your heating and cooling system monthly. Some filters only need to be changed every 3 months. Also, have your equipment checked seasonally to make sure it’s operating efficiently and safely – check-ups can identify problems early. Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of system failure.
3. Bundle Up Your Home – Hidden gaps and cracks in a home can add up to as much airflow as an open window. The more heat that escapes, the more cold air enters, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Home Sealing can improve your home “envelope” – the outer walls, ceiling, windows and floors -- and can save up to 10 percent in energy costs. Start by sealing air leaks and adding insulation—pay special attention to your attic and basement, where the biggest gaps and cracks are often found. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified ones.
4.Tighten Your Ducts – If you have a forced air furnace or heat pump, then a duct system is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home. Leaky ducts can reduce your system’s overall efficiency by 20 percent. Sealing your ducts can save up to $140 annually on energy bills and help you consistently heat every room.
5. Don’t Oversize – If you’re replacing old equipment, make sure your new equipment is properly sized for your home -- bigger isn’t always better. An oversized system will cost more to buy and operate and will cycle on and off too frequently, reducing your comfort and leading to early system failures and repair costs. Correct size and proper airflow will ensure that your equipment works efficiently, saves you money, and helps protect our environment.
6. Put Your Home to the Test – Doing a home improvement project this fall or winter? ENERGY STAR has online tools to evaluate your home’s energy performance and offer solutions to increase comfort and energy efficiency. Visit www.energystar.gov/homeimprovement. Have your utility bills handy for savings calculations.
7. Consult a Professional – Find an experienced, licensed contractor before embarking on any heating and cooling overhaul. Visit http://www.natex.org/ to find a contractor whose technicians are certified by NATE (North American Technician Excellence), the leading industry-supported testing and certification program. Your contractor should properly size your equipment, test airflow, and perform a quality installation.
8. Cash in on Special Offers – Concerned about the cost of new heating equipment? Check with your local utility or visit the rebate finder at www.energystar.gov/rebatefinder to see if there are any special deals on high efficiency heating equipment. Manufacturer rebates are usually offered in fall and early spring. Ask for ENERGY STAR qualified equipment – it might cost more up front, but will offer you greater savings and comfort for years to come.
9. Shop Smart – If your heating equipment has been poorly maintained and is 15 years or older, it’s probably time for a more efficient replacement. Ask for an ENERGY STAR when buying the following equipment:
Furnaces – One in four furnaces in U.S. homes is more than 20 years old. Old furnaces cost more to operate per year than new, ENERGY STAR qualified models that are 15 percent more efficient than standard models.
Heat Pumps – Today’s electric and geothermal heat pumps are much more efficient than those installed just 10 years ago. When installed in a home with a well-sealed home envelope, heat pumps will provide great value and comfort for your energy dollar. An ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pump is 30 percent more efficient than comparable new equipment and can save you as much as $200 annually. A qualified electric heat pump is 20 percent more efficient and can save you about $130 annually.
Boilers – An ENERGY STAR qualified boiler uses features like electric ignition and new combustion technologies that extract more heat from the same amount of fuel, to be 7 percent more energy-efficient.
Programmable Thermostats – Regulate your home’s temperature with four programmable settings and you can save about $100 annually on your energy bills.
This post is taken from http://www.epa.gov/Region3/winter/fightfrost.htm for further infos, just visit the site or just simply click here
1. Know the Facts – The average family spends $1,400 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of that spent on heating and cooling. Energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, sized and installed correctly, with properly sealed ducts, can save homeowners as much as 20 percent on their annual energy costs.
2. Keep it Clean – A dirty air filter can increase your energy costs and lead to early equipment failure. Clean or change the air filter in your heating and cooling system monthly. Some filters only need to be changed every 3 months. Also, have your equipment checked seasonally to make sure it’s operating efficiently and safely – check-ups can identify problems early. Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of system failure.
3. Bundle Up Your Home – Hidden gaps and cracks in a home can add up to as much airflow as an open window. The more heat that escapes, the more cold air enters, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Home Sealing can improve your home “envelope” – the outer walls, ceiling, windows and floors -- and can save up to 10 percent in energy costs. Start by sealing air leaks and adding insulation—pay special attention to your attic and basement, where the biggest gaps and cracks are often found. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified ones.
4.Tighten Your Ducts – If you have a forced air furnace or heat pump, then a duct system is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home. Leaky ducts can reduce your system’s overall efficiency by 20 percent. Sealing your ducts can save up to $140 annually on energy bills and help you consistently heat every room.
5. Don’t Oversize – If you’re replacing old equipment, make sure your new equipment is properly sized for your home -- bigger isn’t always better. An oversized system will cost more to buy and operate and will cycle on and off too frequently, reducing your comfort and leading to early system failures and repair costs. Correct size and proper airflow will ensure that your equipment works efficiently, saves you money, and helps protect our environment.
6. Put Your Home to the Test – Doing a home improvement project this fall or winter? ENERGY STAR has online tools to evaluate your home’s energy performance and offer solutions to increase comfort and energy efficiency. Visit www.energystar.gov/homeimprovement. Have your utility bills handy for savings calculations.
7. Consult a Professional – Find an experienced, licensed contractor before embarking on any heating and cooling overhaul. Visit http://www.natex.org/ to find a contractor whose technicians are certified by NATE (North American Technician Excellence), the leading industry-supported testing and certification program. Your contractor should properly size your equipment, test airflow, and perform a quality installation.
8. Cash in on Special Offers – Concerned about the cost of new heating equipment? Check with your local utility or visit the rebate finder at www.energystar.gov/rebatefinder to see if there are any special deals on high efficiency heating equipment. Manufacturer rebates are usually offered in fall and early spring. Ask for ENERGY STAR qualified equipment – it might cost more up front, but will offer you greater savings and comfort for years to come.
9. Shop Smart – If your heating equipment has been poorly maintained and is 15 years or older, it’s probably time for a more efficient replacement. Ask for an ENERGY STAR when buying the following equipment:
Furnaces – One in four furnaces in U.S. homes is more than 20 years old. Old furnaces cost more to operate per year than new, ENERGY STAR qualified models that are 15 percent more efficient than standard models.
Heat Pumps – Today’s electric and geothermal heat pumps are much more efficient than those installed just 10 years ago. When installed in a home with a well-sealed home envelope, heat pumps will provide great value and comfort for your energy dollar. An ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pump is 30 percent more efficient than comparable new equipment and can save you as much as $200 annually. A qualified electric heat pump is 20 percent more efficient and can save you about $130 annually.
Boilers – An ENERGY STAR qualified boiler uses features like electric ignition and new combustion technologies that extract more heat from the same amount of fuel, to be 7 percent more energy-efficient.
Programmable Thermostats – Regulate your home’s temperature with four programmable settings and you can save about $100 annually on your energy bills.
This post is taken from http://www.epa.gov/Region3/winter/fightfrost.htm for further infos, just visit the site or just simply click here
Tips About Altitude Illness
This is something that a lot of parents are not aware of. Altitude Illness occurs when the body does not adjust well to having less oxygen to breathe at higher altitudes. Anyone can be affected by it, not just children. To reduce the risk of this affliction, consider ascending to high altitudes in gradual steps to allow the body to adjust. If any member of the family has a predisposed illness, check with your doctor before you go on holiday. Medicines are available to help prevent this illness and you should consult your doctor.
Common symptoms of Altitude Illness are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Other symptoms can include poor appetite, vomiting, and trouble sleeping as well as pale, cool skin.
Watch for changes in behaviour in children. Children can exhibit symptoms more quickly and become much sicker than adults.
An unusual and uncommon form of Altitude Illness causes fluid to collect in the lungs. If a family member exhibits a cough that becomes wetter, breathing becomes difficult and faster as well as a faster heart beat, IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
If you suspect Altitude Illness, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You may need to descend to a lower altitude to relieve symptoms or mild symptoms may be relieved by rest and eating lightly.
Common symptoms of Altitude Illness are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Other symptoms can include poor appetite, vomiting, and trouble sleeping as well as pale, cool skin.
Watch for changes in behaviour in children. Children can exhibit symptoms more quickly and become much sicker than adults.
An unusual and uncommon form of Altitude Illness causes fluid to collect in the lungs. If a family member exhibits a cough that becomes wetter, breathing becomes difficult and faster as well as a faster heart beat, IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
If you suspect Altitude Illness, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You may need to descend to a lower altitude to relieve symptoms or mild symptoms may be relieved by rest and eating lightly.
Tips About Frostbite
Avoid the risks of frostbite by following the Winter Safety Suggestions.
Frostbite results from exposure to low temperatures, wind and moisture over a period of time. It can occur anywhere outside during cold temperatures. As a parent you need to be aware of the causes and symptoms of frostbite in children as well as other adults and know what to do when you suspect frostbite. For older children and teenagers, it is also important educate them. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY if you suspect Frostbite.
There are two degrees of frostbite:
* Superficial frostbite that looks like grey or yellowish patches on the skin, especially, fingers, toes, face, ears but can occur on any exposed skin. The first symptoms are usually numbness or itching and prickly pain. The skin remains soft but becomes red and flaky after it thaws.
* Deep or Severe Frostbite looks like waxy and pale skin and feels cold, hard and solid to the touch. The areas turn blue or purple when thawing and large blisters may appear when the area warms up.
What to do if you suspect frostbite:
* As soon as you suspect frostbite, get out of the cold and to a warm place.
* Seek medical attention immediately.
* Warm affected area with warm body part.
* Remove any tight clothing to increase circulation.
* If affected area is partially thawed, place in warm (not hot) water (102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit). If the water is too cool, thawing will take too long. It takes about 20 to 40 minutes for tissues to soften.
* Have the victim drink warm fluids to help increase circulation and warm the body - no caffeine or alcohol.
* NEVER rub or massage the affected area and never put snow or ice on the frostbite. The area can be protected with a fluffy clean bandage and aloe vera cream can be applied.
Frostbite results from exposure to low temperatures, wind and moisture over a period of time. It can occur anywhere outside during cold temperatures. As a parent you need to be aware of the causes and symptoms of frostbite in children as well as other adults and know what to do when you suspect frostbite. For older children and teenagers, it is also important educate them. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY if you suspect Frostbite.
There are two degrees of frostbite:
* Superficial frostbite that looks like grey or yellowish patches on the skin, especially, fingers, toes, face, ears but can occur on any exposed skin. The first symptoms are usually numbness or itching and prickly pain. The skin remains soft but becomes red and flaky after it thaws.
* Deep or Severe Frostbite looks like waxy and pale skin and feels cold, hard and solid to the touch. The areas turn blue or purple when thawing and large blisters may appear when the area warms up.
What to do if you suspect frostbite:
* As soon as you suspect frostbite, get out of the cold and to a warm place.
* Seek medical attention immediately.
* Warm affected area with warm body part.
* Remove any tight clothing to increase circulation.
* If affected area is partially thawed, place in warm (not hot) water (102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit). If the water is too cool, thawing will take too long. It takes about 20 to 40 minutes for tissues to soften.
* Have the victim drink warm fluids to help increase circulation and warm the body - no caffeine or alcohol.
* NEVER rub or massage the affected area and never put snow or ice on the frostbite. The area can be protected with a fluffy clean bandage and aloe vera cream can be applied.
Tips About Hypothermia
Avoid the risks of hypothermia by following the Winter Safety Suggestions.
Hypothermia results from exposure to low temperatures, wind and moisture over a period of time. It can occur on the ski hill, in a car, falling in water that is cold or anywhere else where these factors exist that cause the body temperature to falls below normal. As a parent you need to be aware of the causes and symptoms of hypothermia in children as well as other adults and know what to do when you suspect hypothermia. For older children and teenagers, it is also important educate them. When conditions exist to pose a risk of hypothermia be observant and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect or observe any symptoms which can include:
* Complaints about being cold and irritability.
* Uncontrollable shivering
* Impaired or slurred speech or vision
* Clumsy movements
* Blurred vision.
* Severe symptoms can include stiff muscles, dark and puffy skin, irregular heart and breathing rates and unconsciousness.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should get the person to a warm, dry place as soon as possible, remove any wet clothing and seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. NEVER RUB THE SKIN. Bundling in a blanket will help keep heat in. An always soothing parent/child cuddle will help warm up the child and also bring comfort to both.
Hypothermia results from exposure to low temperatures, wind and moisture over a period of time. It can occur on the ski hill, in a car, falling in water that is cold or anywhere else where these factors exist that cause the body temperature to falls below normal. As a parent you need to be aware of the causes and symptoms of hypothermia in children as well as other adults and know what to do when you suspect hypothermia. For older children and teenagers, it is also important educate them. When conditions exist to pose a risk of hypothermia be observant and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect or observe any symptoms which can include:
* Complaints about being cold and irritability.
* Uncontrollable shivering
* Impaired or slurred speech or vision
* Clumsy movements
* Blurred vision.
* Severe symptoms can include stiff muscles, dark and puffy skin, irregular heart and breathing rates and unconsciousness.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should get the person to a warm, dry place as soon as possible, remove any wet clothing and seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. NEVER RUB THE SKIN. Bundling in a blanket will help keep heat in. An always soothing parent/child cuddle will help warm up the child and also bring comfort to both.
Winter Safety Suggestion
Here are some tips to keep in mind while your family is enjoying the great outdoors during the winter season.
* Check the weather report and heed precautions and advisories. If weather warnings suggest a severe wind chill or extremely low temperatures, consider avoiding outdoor activities until the weather improves.
* Drive Carefully.
* Be aware of avalanche warnings also.
* Be aware of symptoms and treatment for hypothermia, snow blindness and frostbite.
* See specific sections of this page for safety tips on winter activities.
* Practice Sun Safety.
* Remember First Aid Tips including a first aid supplies.
* Dress in layers. It is very important to keep warm and dry while enjoying outdoor activities in the winter.
* When not wearing a helmet, wear a hat, and a neck guard. Keep ears covered too. Noses can be covered with neck guard.
* Make sure that clothes is comfortable. Tight clothing restrict circulation and can increase changes of frostbite.
* Wear brightly coloured clothing - easier to be seen.
* Take extra care when dusk or evening approaches as a result of reduced visibility.
* Goggles that provide Sun Safety can also protect eyes from cold, wind and snow.
* Remove all drawstrings from children's snow suits and avoid use of scarves to reduce the risk of strangulation.
* Don't overdo activities.
* Try to maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits.
* Avoid alcohol, tobacco, drugs and consider reducing caffeine consumption.
* Take some time to relax and give children some "down time" as well.
* Have children (and adults) where helmets designed for the activity if it involves a risk of head injury or required by law.
* Teach children never to touch metal during cold temperatures.
* Children should be taught never to throw snow at other people. Snowballs can contain ice chunks or stones that can cause harm including damage to eyes.
* Never bury anyone in snow as there is a risk of suffocation and teach children never to make tunnels in the snow.
* Don't let children eat snow. Even white snow can contain pollutants from the air, including trace minerals like mercury. Snow can also contain windblown soils that can include animal fecal matter.
* Teach children to never venture onto ice, ponds or lakes without an adult first checking the ice.
* Children should never play on snow piles near parking lots or on the road side. Make sure children never go near snow plows or areas being plowed.
* Check the weather report and heed precautions and advisories. If weather warnings suggest a severe wind chill or extremely low temperatures, consider avoiding outdoor activities until the weather improves.
* Drive Carefully.
* Be aware of avalanche warnings also.
* Be aware of symptoms and treatment for hypothermia, snow blindness and frostbite.
* See specific sections of this page for safety tips on winter activities.
* Practice Sun Safety.
* Remember First Aid Tips including a first aid supplies.
* Dress in layers. It is very important to keep warm and dry while enjoying outdoor activities in the winter.
* When not wearing a helmet, wear a hat, and a neck guard. Keep ears covered too. Noses can be covered with neck guard.
* Make sure that clothes is comfortable. Tight clothing restrict circulation and can increase changes of frostbite.
* Wear brightly coloured clothing - easier to be seen.
* Take extra care when dusk or evening approaches as a result of reduced visibility.
* Goggles that provide Sun Safety can also protect eyes from cold, wind and snow.
* Remove all drawstrings from children's snow suits and avoid use of scarves to reduce the risk of strangulation.
* Don't overdo activities.
* Try to maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits.
* Avoid alcohol, tobacco, drugs and consider reducing caffeine consumption.
* Take some time to relax and give children some "down time" as well.
* Have children (and adults) where helmets designed for the activity if it involves a risk of head injury or required by law.
* Teach children never to touch metal during cold temperatures.
* Children should be taught never to throw snow at other people. Snowballs can contain ice chunks or stones that can cause harm including damage to eyes.
* Never bury anyone in snow as there is a risk of suffocation and teach children never to make tunnels in the snow.
* Don't let children eat snow. Even white snow can contain pollutants from the air, including trace minerals like mercury. Snow can also contain windblown soils that can include animal fecal matter.
* Teach children to never venture onto ice, ponds or lakes without an adult first checking the ice.
* Children should never play on snow piles near parking lots or on the road side. Make sure children never go near snow plows or areas being plowed.
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